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Wes Platt

Former Executive Editor

Wes Platt joined Bobit in 2021 as executive editor of School Bus Fleet Magazine and maintained the helm through 2024.

He writes and edits content about student transportation, school bus manufacturers and equipment, legislative issues, maintenance, fleet contracting, and school transportation technology - from classic yellow diesel buses to the latest EPA-funded electric, propane, and CNG vehicles.

Wes has moderated online webinars related to student transportation, hosts a video podcast called The Route on the SBF YouTube channel that covers bus-related news and issues, and enjoys attending events with the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), National School Transportation Association (NSTA), and National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).

Previously, Wes worked as a journalist for The St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times) - he has no shortage of "Florida Man" stories. Be sure to ask about the armadillo hit man sometime. He also worked for North Carolina's Durham Herald-Sun, covering diverse beats ranging from crime and courts to K-12 education, including school transportation issues. He’s a Florida native transplanted to North Carolina, and a graduate of the University of South Florida (B.A. mass communications).

Newsby Wes PlattNovember 6, 2023

NASDPTS 2023: State Transportation Leaders Urge Measured Approach on Electrification

The cleaner school bus technology has its appeal, helped by federal funding opportunities. But transportation directors recommend caution in the conversion.

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Newsby Wes PlattNovember 5, 2023

NASDPTS 2023: School Transportation Industry Facing Change While Rebounding

National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services annual conference attendees heard about what's happening in the school bus manufacturing industry from representatives of Blue Bird, IC Bus, and Thomas Built Buses.

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Newsby Wes PlattNovember 3, 2023

Seeking Input: School Transportation Weather Emergency Preparedness

Participate in this quick survey by Nov. 10 to share your insights about how prepared your school district is to deal with dangerous winter weather events.

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Newsby Wes PlattOctober 31, 2023

GreenPower Debuts Mega BEAST Type D School Bus with Doubled EV Range

School districts with range anxiety when it comes to electric buses may find comfort in a bus that can travel nearly 300 miles on a charge.

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Newsby Wes PlattOctober 30, 2023

NAPT Honors Hall of Fame Inductees, Other Award Recipients

Nine people received awards during the 2023 annual conference in Columbus, Ohio.

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Articlesby Wes PlattOctober 27, 2023

Contemplating Repower? ChatGPT Has Some Suggestions

Can ChatGPT help you make informed decisions for revamping your school transportation fleet with eco-friendly retrofits?

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Newsby Wes PlattOctober 25, 2023

October 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Trends [Updated 10/25]

The average cost of gasoline continued falling in most areas of the United States, while diesel fuel saw increases.

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Articlesby Wes PlattOctober 16, 2023

National School Bus Safety Week Raises Awareness Across U.S.

School districts and transportation professionals aim to make motorists and passengers more aware of safety issues related to the yellow school bus.

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Articlesby Wes PlattOctober 11, 2023

3 ChatGPT Prompts for Optimizing Winter Weather Preparedness

Empower your school transportation team with expertly crafted prompts, guiding you through comprehensive winter weather planning, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response strategies.

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Newsby Wes PlattOctober 11, 2023

California Governor Signs 2035 Zero-Emission School Bus Mandate

Gavin Newsom wants all newly purchased or contracted school buses to be zero-emission vehicles, with potential extensions for districts meeting certain conditions.

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